Since 1850…A History of Caring, Compassionate Service

The Lensing Funeral Home is built on a strong foundation of service to the community, the state, and the funeral profession. Over 150 years ago, Frank Hohenschuh founded a funeral home on Dubuque Street in downtown Iowa City. Interestingly, he also operated a nearby furniture business. His son William, who assumed the business in 1876, designed and constructed a new facility on South Linn Street in 1917. History tells us that the structure was considered very progressive for that time.

William Hohenschuh may well have been the father of the funeral profession in Iowa. He organized the Iowa Funeral Directors Association in 1891, served as President of the National Funeral Directors Association in 1894, founded two colleges of embalming, and traveled widely as an author and lecturer.

William died in 1920, and the company was purchased by John H. Donohue, who was succeeded by his son, Walter J. Donohue, until 1974. In November, 1978 Michael and Vicki Lensing purchased the Donohue Mortuary and continued to serve families in the landmark Linn Street facility until 1984.

Today, Lensing serves Iowa City with a beautiful facility on Kirkwood Avenue, and with the newest location on Holiday Road in Coralville.

Lensing Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been an honored recipient of the Pursuit of Excellence Eagle Award, the highest award in funeral service presented by the largest funeral service organization in the world, the National Funeral Directors Association. Lensing is also a proud member of Preferred Funeral Directors International, a prestigious “by invitation only” organization.

Meet the people at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service Seated, from left to right:  Vicki Lensing, Aftercare Services Pat Wells, Community Relations Standing, from left to right: Michael J. Lensing, Funeral Director Ken Holmes, Preplanning Consultant Carol DeFiore, Funeral Director Mike O'Brien, Funeral Director